Killing of Eritrean migrant reverberates in Israel

Wednesday, October 21, 2015 - 01:18

The brutal killing of Eritrean migrant Mila Abtum in Israel over the weekend has stoked fear among Israel's migrant community and self-reflection among Israelis, as a new wave of violence grips the region. Gavino Garay reports.

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Mila Abtum, an Eritrean migrant worker, was the victim of an Israeli mob who'd mistaken him for a Palestinian gunman.
Sagi Malachi, his supervisor, condemns his killing.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) SAGI MALACHI, ABTUM'S EMPLOYER, SAYING:
"It is quite shameful for the entire people of Israel, it's barbaric behavior and it's a pity that such a minority makes a bad impression."
Elizabeth Tsurkav, the project director for the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, blames authorities for inciting fear among residents.
ELIZABETH TSURKAV, PROJECT DIRECTOR AT THE HOTLINE FOR REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS, SAYING:
"Politicians have warned about possible connection to ISIS or Hamas, and as a result when people in Beersheba saw a person with dark skin, even though in Israel not a single refugee ever committed a terrorist attack, they beat him to death basically."
The killing comes amid an escalation in violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Each side blames the other for the latest series of attacks.. and with eight Israelis, more than 40 Palestinians and now, one Eritrean, killed in just three weeks, tensions are increasing with no relief in sight.

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